Takeoff, part of chart-topping group Migos, has been killed at the age of 28.
The rapper, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was shot dead at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.
He had been playing dice with his bandmate and uncle Quavo when the incident occurred around 2.30am.
The trio, which also includes Offset, were among the headliners of Parklife festival in Manchester last summer.
Takeoff was part of rap group Migos. Credit: Instagram, @Migos
Migos have regularly been named as one of the most influential bands of their generation, with singles including Bad and Boujee, Versace, and MotorSport with Nicki Minaj and Cardi B.
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Local police said that Takeoff and Quavo were part of a private event when someone opened fire.
A man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to his head or neck.
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Takeoff and Quavo as kids. It was Takeoff who told Quavo (his uncle) to start rapping and taking it serious‼️💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/MUy200AmI2
He has been identified as Takeoff by media outlets including TMZ, Variety and the Hollywood Reporter.
Tributes have begun to pour in for the musician.
Ja Rule tweeted: “Rip Takeoff… this sh*t has to STOP… sending love to friends and family”
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BBC Radio 1Xtra posted: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Migos rapper Takeoff. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this unimaginable time. Rest in Power @1YoungTakeoff”
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Migos rapper Takeoff. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this unimaginable time.
“It’ll never make sense. Never ever. Rest in Peace. Prayers to the family of the fallen.”
Others have been sharing their fondest memories of the young star, including Migos’ appearance on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden.
In memory of Takeoff, had to share my favorite moment of him getting his absolute life with the other Migos to ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ on Carpool Karaoke.
Such a devastating loss and reminder to get right with your people before it’s too late 💔 pic.twitter.com/g2a0wvNCGT
NHS urgently needs 500,000 men to take part in ‘major’ cancer research programme
Emily Sergeant
Half a million men are needed to take part in a ‘major’ cancer research programme.
From this week, the NHS has announced that it will begin contacting 500,000 men to invite them to join a major research programme that will work to improve the vital early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
Men who have had or are living with prostate cancer will receive letters and text messages explaining how they can register to take part.
It’s hoped that this will become one of the world’s largest prostate cancer studies.
Formally named ‘Prostate Progress’, the study is designed to speed up the development of better tests, treatments, and care – with the NHS aiming to recruit as many participants as possible to improve how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated, as well as understanding the side effects of treatment and the impact they have on quality of life.
The NHS urgently needs 500,000 men to take part in a ‘major’ cancer research programme / Credit: rawpixel
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed every year and over 12,000 deaths annually.
Men who join ‘Prostate Progress’ will be asked to complete questionnaires about their experiences of living with the disease every few months.
Verified researchers will then be able compare men’s experiences of living with prostate cancer against their NHS records – including their symptoms and quality of life.
The NHS says it is ‘particularly keen’ to hear from black men for the programme, as they are at approximately twice the risk of developing prostate cancer – with around one in four black men in the UK expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime.
“Better representation will help researchers understand and address differences in diagnosis, treatment and outcomes,” the NHS said in a statement.
“Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK,” explained Health Minister, James Frith. “Every piece of data we gather brings us closer to the tests and treatments that future patients will depend on to live well for longer.
“Prostate Progress has the potential to become a hugely important resource, but only if men come forward and share their experiences, so I encourage anyone who receives an invitation to sign up.
“This is the kind of innovation the government’s National Cancer Plan is designed to support, making the NHS a world-leading destination for cancer research and ensuring patients across the country can help shape the treatments of tomorrow.”
Featured Image – Vitaly Gariev (via Unsplash)
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Police charge and name man after broad daylight stabbing of 19-year-old in Northern Quarter
Emily Sergeant
A man has been charged and publicly named after the stabbing of a teenager in the Northern Quarter last week.
Bandar Alzahar has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place, and has been remanded in custody ahead of a scheduled appearance at Manchester & Salford Magistrates Court today (Monday 3 August 2026).
The charges come after a 19-year-old man was stabbed in the Northern Quarter, in Manchester city centre, last Friday (31 July).
The shocking incident took place in broad daylight at around 12:50pm on Church Street.
After police attended the scene, they ‘quickly located’ a suspect – initially described as just being a man in his early 20s – at Manchester Airport within three hours of the incident occurring, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault.
The victim sadly remains in hospital in a stable condition but with life-threatening injuries, police have confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are still appealing to the public for information. In a public plea, police wrote: “We are still asking for information from anyone that may have witnessed the incident on Church Street to get in touch with us.
“This includes any CCTV, mobile phone or Dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries.”
Any information can be submitted to GMP by calling 101, quoting log 1580 of 31/07/2026. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Daisy Jackson -
1st November 2022 
